Brain health matters

Time… or Rosemary for Brain Awareness

Are you happy with your memory? Do you have difficulty multi-tasking or recalling words? March 13 to 19 is Brain Awareness Week and now is the perfect time to consider actions to improve your brain health.

Increase your circulation

Good circulation provides good oxygen, nutrient and anti-oxidant supply to the brain. Exercise is often the best way to increase your circulation, but please don’t rush into excess exercise in the heat. Make a plan as to what physical exercise you want to do each week and seek advice from a relevant health practitioner if you’re unsure as to what’s suited to you. Check with your GP if you suspect your iron and/or Vitamin B12 levels may be low, as these are essential for good oxygenation. Herbal remedies such as Gingko biloba, Rosemary and Bacopa can be excellent aids for increasing circulation.

Keep inflammation at bay

Inflammation can cross the blood brain barrier and disrupt neuronal impulses, which is not helpful for your brain function! Avoid inflammatory foods such as fried foods and sugary foods and try to include at least 5 cups of vegetables as well as anti-inflammatory fruits such as pawpaw and pineapple. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, green tea, St Mary’s Thistle and Rosehips can all be helpful for decreasing inflammation.

Get your brain active

We now know that the brain has neuroplasticity, meaning that we are continually building and rebuilding neuronal connections. To assist this, find a challenging activity that you enjoy such as crosswords, app based brain games, learning a musical instrument or a new language. Staying social and listening to music that you like are both good ways of strengthening positive neuronal pathways in the brain.

Your naturopath can help you with many other aspects in improving your brain health such as increasing your energy, increasing nutrients in your diet for good neurotransmitter balance, improving your sleep quality, addressing hormone imbalances and improving your gut health.

Susan Lintott would be delighted to provide you with a detailed health assessment and care. Contact Susan on 0401 764 050, or view her biography.